John S. Gossett, Chair

Faculty

Introduction

Communication studies examines communication in human affairs and the symbolic processes
through which humans interact. The curriculum is designed to facilitate student mastery of theory and research,
to enhance communication skills, and to enhance student preparation for a variety of careers or for
graduate study. Many communication graduates pursue careers in teaching, consulting, organizational
administration and management, training and development, and speech writing. Others find communication to be a
useful major in preparing for law, the ministry, politics, and community relations.

The department offers coursework in rhetorical, performance and social science traditions. Students
are afforded opportunities to explore communication from applied and theoretical perspectives in a variety
of settings including traditional classroom and organizations as well as co-curricular activities.
Coursework features the investigation of communication in organizational, interpersonal, aesthetic, health,
cultural, legal, political and international contexts. Among the topics that students will encounter in their
undergraduate program are gender and diversity issues, social influence, ethics, narrative and cultural studies.

Programs of Study

The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the following areas:

Bachelor of Arts,

Master of Arts, and

Master of Science, all with a major in communication studies.

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires a minimum of 128 semester hours, 42 of which must be
advanced, and fulfillment of degree requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree as specified in the College of
Arts and Sciences section of this catalog. Students wishing to major in communication studies should consult
an adviser in the Undergraduate Advising Office, Terrill Hall, Room 227.

The major in communication studies requires a total of 36 semester credit hours as follows.

12 core hours: COMM 1010, 2020, 2040, and 2060

9 hours distributed, with one course taken from each of the following groups:

Group A: COMM 3520 or 3720 or 3920 or 4420

Group B: COMM 3340 or 3440 or 3740 or 3840

Group C: COMM 3760 or 3860

3 hours of theory: COMM 4020 or 4040 or 4060

12 additional advanced hours chosen in consultation with an adviser

Majors must observe the system of prerequisites for upper level courses.

A student who has completed 90 hours with at least a 3.5 grade point average is eligible to write a
Senior Honors Thesis. Students who elect this option are expected to complete their theses in the course of a
single semester.

Major in Communication Studies

Following is one suggested four-year degree plan. Students are encouraged to see their adviser
each semester for help with program decisions and
enrollment. Some requirements may have changed
because the University Core Curriculum
was being revised at the time this catalog went to press. Contact a
degree program adviser.

JUNIOR YEAR

SPRING HOURS

SENIOR YEAR

SPRING HOURS

COMM (elective, advanced) 3

COMM (elective, advanced) 3

Minor (advanced)15 3

Minor (advanced)15 3

Understanding of Ideas and
Values8 3

Total 15

Actual degree plans may vary depending on availability of courses in a given semester.
Some courses may require prerequisites not listed.
See Arts and Sciences notes
in supplement booklet for footnotes.

Supplemental Information for BA with a Major in Communication Studies

The University Core Curriculum
was being revised at the time this catalog went to press. Consult
a degree program adviser or the university's Web site (www.unt.edu/catsched/).

The major in communication studies requires a total of 36 semester credit hours as follows:

1. 12 core hours: COMM 1010, 2020, 2040 and 2060;

2. 9 hours distributed, with one course taken from each of the following groups:

· Group A: COMM 3520, 3720, 3920 or 4420;

· Group B: COMM 3340, 3440, 3740 or 3840;

· Group C: COMM 3760 or 3860;

3. Majors are required to complete a minor of at least 18 hours from another department.

Students who have completed 90 hours with a 3.5 grade point average are eligible to write Senior
Honors Theses. Students who elect this option are expected to complete their theses in the course of a single semester.

Majors must observe the system of prerequisites for upper-level courses.

Degree Tracking/Degree Plan

Students who wish to major in communication studies should consult with an adviser as early
as possible. Students entering UNT as freshmen are advised through the department until they achieve
junior status, after which they can apply for a degree plan. The department has formulated a degree tracking
sheet that makes it possible for the student to plan each semester's enrollment with the certainty that the
courses taken are required for graduation. Upon achieving junior status, the student must make an appointment
to see one of the undergraduate advisers in the department and bring a complete transcript of all courses
taken. The adviser will fill out an advisory sheet to be filed with the advising office of the College of Arts
and Sciences. The advisers in that office will prepare an official degree plan listing all courses for which
the student has received credit and all remaining courses required to complete the degree.

Students transferring from another college may apply for a degree plan during the first semester in
which they enrolled at UNT. To apply for the degree plan, transfer students should obtain complete
transcripts from all colleges attended and make an appointment with the departmental undergraduate adviser.

Minor in Communication Studies

The minor in communication studies requires a total of 18 semester hours, 3 of which are core hours:
COMM 1010. The core hours must be taken before enrolling in any of the 15 additional hours of course work.
Minors must observe the system of prerequisites for upper-level courses.

Departmental advisers are available for consultation on the minor in communication studies.

Teacher Certification

Students who expect to teach communication in secondary schools must complete the requirements of
the state of Texas for teacher certification as listed by the Department of Teacher Education
and Administration in the College of Education.

Graduate Degrees

The department offers degree programs leading to the Master of Arts and Master of Science.
For information, consult the Graduate Catalog.

Debate and Performance Programs

Students may develop and enhance critical thinking skills by participating in intercollegiate debate
and performance activities. The national-caliber debate team competes actively in both on-campus events
and tournament competition at the regional and national levels. The performance interest group participates
in regional and national festivals, and sponsors on-campus performances, including the Texts in
Performance series.

Scholarships

Debate Alumni/William DeMougeot Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding students who participate in
the activities of the North Texas Debate Team.

Information about this scholarship may be obtained by writing to Dr. Mark DeLoach, Director of
Debate, Department of Communication Studies, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 305268, Denton, TX
76203-5268.

Olive M. Johnson Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding students who participate in
the activities of the North Texas Debate Team. For more information about this scholarship, contact Dr.
Mark DeLoach of the Department of Communication Studies.

Curtis M. Loveless Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding students who major in
communication studies and participate in the activities of the North Texas Debate Team. For information about
this scholarship, contact Dr. Mark DeLoach.

This scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to undergraduate students who participate in
curricular performance studies classes and extracurricular performance studies intercollegiate festivals and
other activities.

Information about this scholarship may be obtained by writing to Dr. John M. Allison Jr., Department
of Communication Studies, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 305268, Denton, TX 76203-5268.